In today’s world, travelers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their trips. Luckily, Google Maps and Search are making it easier than ever to choose sustainable travel options.
This blog post will unveil the latest updates to Google Maps and Search that empower you to make eco-friendly travel decisions.
Planning Your Route: Prioritizing Public Transit and Walking
Gone are the days when driving dominated the map. Google Maps now places public transit and walking options front and center, right alongside driving directions. This simple change nudges users towards greener modes of transportation.
So, the next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out the public transit and walking options on Google Maps. You might be surprised at how convenient and scenic these routes can be!
Google Maps will now show public transit or walking suggestions next to driving routes, if travel times are comparable and practical. This will be available in the coming weeks in over fifteen cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Montreal, Paris, Rome and Sydney.
Exploring Long-Distance Travel: Trains and Buses Take Center Stage
For longer journeys, Google Search is here to help you explore sustainable options. Now, you can easily find information on long-distance train and bus routes. This empowers you to compare travel times, costs, and – most importantly – the environmental impact of different travel options.
If you search for something like “Boston to Philadelphia train”, you can quickly see schedules and ticket prices right on the results page, along with links to complete your booking. This Google search feature is now available for trains in 38 countries and long-distance bus routes in 15 countries.
By including trains and buses in your search results, Google makes it easier for you to choose eco-friendly modes of transportation for long-distance travel.
Taking Flight? Consider the Carbon Footprint
While flying may be the fastest option for long distances, it’s also the least sustainable. To help you make informed decisions, With Google Flights, you can already see estimated emissions for nearly every flight in the search results and filter by lower-emitting options and can your part decreasing carbon footprint!
This transparency empowers you to weigh the environmental impact alongside other factors like travel time and cost. With this knowledge at hand, you can choose the flight option that best suits your needs and your values.
Conclusion: Travel Smarter, Travel Greener
By prioritizing public transit, walking routes, long-distance trains and buses, and providing information on flight emissions, Google Maps and Search are making it easier than ever to travel sustainably. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to leverage these features to make eco-conscious choices and embark on a greener adventure!